Before you Adopt

Thank you for considering adoption!

Following are a few things to consider before you make the decision to bring a new pet into your life:

Why do you want a pet? It’s amazing how many people don’t ask themselves this simple question. Adopting a pet just because it’s “the thing to do” or “the children have been wanting a puppy” can be a mistake. Having a pet is not something to be entered into lightly, and is a commitment of 10, 15, or even 20 years. Pets make great companions, and are also a serious commitment.

Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats and other animals require food, water, exercise, care and companionship every day. Many animals in our shelter are here because their owners didn’t realize how much time it took to care for them.

Is your pet a good fit with your family? We ask that you bring your entire family to the shelter to meet with an adoption counselor. We will discuss your lifestyle (activity level and so on) to help match you with a pet that will suit your family. Please bring your children as well as any canine family members (when meeting new dogs) as well.

Can you have a pet where you live? Pets are not allowed in many rental communities, while other communities may have certain restrictions. Make sure you know what your rental property’s policies are before bringing a companion animal home.

Have you considered the costs associated with pet ownership? The adoption fee is just the beginning of a lifetime of expenses. For example, every dog can benefit from training. Not only does it help to establish a lasting bond, but it also helps your dog understand what you expect from him or her. You also need to consider both routine and unexpected medical expenses, as well as food, toys, bedding and more.

Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? Is your routine changing because of a new job, new house or new member of the family? Waiting until you settle down is wise. Pets, like children, thrive with a predictable routine.

Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? Animal size is not the only variable to consider. It is important to also consider the animal’s age and temperament as well. For example, some small dogs, such as terriers, are very active, requiring a great deal of exercise to be calm. On the other hand, some big dogs or older dogs are quite content to lie on a couch all day.

We want to make your adoption a success!

Get to know your new potential furry family member. Come and meet them, visit with them, even take (a dog) on a field trip! Everyone in your household will need to meet your new potential animal prior to adopting. If you have any cats, dogs, or any other existing pets, let us know so we can help guide you to the pet that will work best in your exiting household. If you have a dog, your current dog will need to meet your potential new dog prior to completing your adoption. If all goes well, we can proceed to the adoption process.

*Please note* the adoption process can take up to one hour to complete, as our medical team needs to evaluate the animal prior to it going home. Please plan accordingly.

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Kauai Humane Society is dedicated to fostering respect, responsibility and compassion for all animals and enriching lives by nurturing healthy relationships between pets and people.

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1 week agoby kauaihumanesocietyThe annual 2018 Gala “Paws for Celebration” is September 22rd (Saturday) at the @kauaimarriott Resort. The event will be held in the Main Ballroom at 5:30pm. Come join us for a night to remember. A fresh dinner buffet and entertainment are included. Come bid in the live and silent auctions. If you have plans to be on Kauai then, we would love to have you! Bring your friends and family! To sponsor a table or two or underwrite a piece for the event. Contact Laura by email, laura @kauaihumane .org or (808)632-0610, ext. 108. All proceeds go to help the animals of

6 days agoby kauaihumanesocietyWhy are you dressed up KAIKEA? “Because I heard the “Paws for Celebration” Annual Fundraiser Dinner is happening Saturday, September 22nd from 5:30pm-9pm at Kauai Marriott Resort and I want to look my best for the date!” Don’t you want to find a FURever Home before that? “YES!!! That would be a PURRfect reason for my paws to celebrate!! I will be at the shelter at 11am today. Let’s make it my “Gotcha Date”. In the meowtime, people should go to our website to buy their tickets now!” You sure are smart beyond your kitten months! To purchase tickets go

5 days agoby kauaihumanesociety“I am CAT KONG! The “King” of my CATio at the shelter. If I could make gorilla fists, I’d pound my chest with fervor as I hold my hammock fort down. Instead, I will do something far more “king-like” and wear my best royal attire (it’s a stately wardrobe that has grown on me) and summon my two catio kingdom mates to join me in a good ole fashion party. A people’s king always entertains and since I AM the life of the party, I am sure to rule hearts. But I just need one. Will it be yours? At

1 day agoby kauaihumanesocietyWe’re the new guys at KHS. We were lucky to get a spot at the shelter because the A.L.O.H.A. Transfer Program transferred out 17 dogs earlier this month which opened space for us. We now have a bed and are available for adoption! . . . For only ONE more week, until 8/20, your donation to the A.L.O.H.A. Transfer Program is matched dollar for dollar. That means double the number of homeless, unwanted and scared dogs like us getting beds in a kennel when two dogs or four puppies are transferred instead of just one and two! Exciting opportunity to

2 hours agoby kauaihumanesocietyLast month, Kaua’i Humane Society was the chosen “Rescue of the Month” for @happypuphappylife Just Pet Products - Handmade Climbing Rope Leashes & Collars out of California. . The result of that promotion was a box filled with 34 new leashes donated to help the shelter animals of Kaua’i! Our dogs even received a bonus surprise of squeaky balls to play with during play yard time! . . Thank you @happypuphappylife for your continued support! We are honored to be one of your advocated rescues. . Thank you to EVERYONE who purchased a leash or collar from @happypuphappylife in the